It is common to find more weddings happening in summer when compared to the other seasons. Summer beach weddings are very popular among the couple-to-be as it can make the wedding a memorable and relaxing event. Being wed on the beach is considered very romantic and the couple would want to look their best for this special day. Choosing a summer beach wedding dress is not an easy task, as you need to consider more factors than a wedding dress to be worn indoors. Shopping for a beach wedding dress is a little bit different to shopping for traditional wedding attire. Find below a few tips that will help you to choose the right wedding dress for that special occasion on the beach.

Opt for the right fabric

A lot of importance has to be given to choosing the right fabric for your summer beach wedding dress. As it will be warmer in summer, it will be a better option to opt for lightweight fabrics so that you will stay cool and comfortable on that special day. Dress made using light fabrics such as cotton eyelet, chiffon, Georgette, crepe, cotton organdy, voile and organza should be a better option for a wedding dress for the beach.

Combine fabrics

You can combine more than one light fabric to create your wedding dress. You may have to opt for a designer dress as wedding attire that are made using more than one fabric is not easy to find. I you have the budget, you can find a reputed designer in town who should be able to design a wedding gown or dress using light fabric, that will suit your body type.

Do not forget the wind and sand

Beaches are usually windy and there is every possibility for a full skirt dress to be blown around in the wind. Beaches have plenty of sand and it is better to avoid dresses that have intricate lacework in them. It will be a good option to opt for casual but elegant wedding attire for your special beach wedding.

Avoid dresses with flowing trail

Do not buy long dresses that have a flowing trail, as it will be ruined while walking on the sand. Dragging the long trail on the sand can ruin the dress and your look.

Think out of the box

Do not restrict yourself to a wedding gown for your beach wedding. Tea length dresses will be a better option when compared to a full flowing skirt as it will look better in the beach environment and you need not worry about the hem, which can come in your way often. Other options that will look good for a beach wedding are column style dresses and princess style gowns.

Add colors

Colors like lavender, red, pink, mint green and pale blue can go well on a beach wedding dress. You can also opt for a light but peppy Hawaiian or tropical print for your dress, which will complement the beach wedding theme.

Accessorize

Use accessories to add sparkle to your wedding dress. Be careful while picking the accessories and make sure that you try them out with the dress to ensure that they complement the dress you have picked.

Some brides just like to keep things simple, whether it’s the actual wedding or the wedding dress she will be wearing. Simple wedding dresses are perfect for informal or intimate weddings. The setting is pretty casual so it would look a little out of place if the bride was in something ultra fancy. Many brides choose this type of wedding dress even for a large and more formal affair, because her style is rather simple yet sophisticated. She will feel uncomfortable and not herself if she changed her look too drastically.

Simple wedding dresses are just that, simple. You will know it when you see it, there is little or no embellishments. Don’t expect to find a lot of beading, trim, lace or any other type of adornments. There is no fancy train either, the most common silhouette for this type of dress is A-line. An A-line dress has a fitted bodice and flows out from the waist down. Sheath dresses that go straight down from the waist are also known for being quite simple.

Simple wedding dresses are known to be more affordable, however you are not limited to finding them off-the-rack at department stores. Many bridal boutiques carry a good selection of simple dresses. In fact, a lot of of the top wedding dress designers in the industry have simpler dresses in their collection. These dresses can be quite sleek and sophisticated, making it a hit with a lot of modern women. Since there is not a lot of frills, you can pretty much find one on any budget. Just keep in mind that the pricier ones will probably have better fabric and cut.

Brides who want simple wedding dresses are usually looking for something comfortable. If they are going to be in the dress for an entire day, it’s better to have on something they can move freely in instead of say a ball gown dress. There is no standard for length, some like it long while others prefer it short. If the wedding is outdoors, it’s better not to have a dress that is too long, tea length would be perfect.

Unlike most traditional dresses, a simple wedding dress is much more versatile. You can probably find another occasion to wear it out again without it looking like a wedding dress. For the record, just because it’s simple does not make it boring. There are different necklines that will make your dress look totally modern like one shoulder or off shoulder. You can also play up the dress by adding some bold jewelry or accessories.

The fact that more and more brides are choosing to go for a much more simple wedding day look has prompted many clothing retailers to start a wedding collection. J. Crew was the first to launch a wedding line and has had a lot of success. Women are loving their casual but elegant wedding dresses. Ann Taylor soon followed suit and now there are many more retailers looking to do the same. So even if you don’t find the perfect dress at a bridal boutique, there are so many more places to look.

So you are getting married abroad? You may now be wondering about that all important wedding gown and how best to take it with you to your wedding destination. This article is based on industry knowledge and first hand tales of brides that we have dealt with over the years.

Specialist wedding gown cleaning is often carried out on dresses prior to going away to your wedding destination. Sometimes, brides will buy a secondhand dress and have it cleaned first. If this is you then it is probably easier to have a professional wedding dress cleaning company box it up for you in a wedding travel box. This type of box is most suitable for travel with your dress and also is made from PH neutral card and contains acid free tissue. The whole purpose of this box is that your gown will stay with you at all times on-board the aircraft.

If you have purchased a brand new dress from a wedding gown shop then using the same type of box is your best option also. The wedding gown shop should be more than happy to pack your dress for you.

After all alterations have been carried out and you have had your final fitting at the bridal store, ask them to pack the dress for you. In a box you supply to them or they may be able to sell you a wedding travel box directly.

There are several on-line companies that sell travel boxes but please always ask for PH Neutral card (heavy) and acid free tissue for packaging the dress. Please note that in general the cheaper boxes also do not have a thick corded carrying handle but a plastic handle that pushes into the box thus making it unsuitable to store your dress in afterwards.

If you have purchased the dress and have it at home then it is recommended using a wedding dress travel box and packing the wedding dress yourself.

Step 1. Layer the acid free tissue in the bottom of the box and then around the edges.

Step 2. Try to estimate the number of folds required to get the dress into the box with the bodice facing upwards on the last fold.

Step 3. Lay the train in the bottom of the box then place tissue over and tuck in tightly at the sides

Step 4. Fold the dress over and press down firmly now lay more tissue over this folded layer tucking in tightly at the sides.

Step 5. Finally fold the dress with the bodice facing to the top of the box again pressing down firmly and again place tissue over and tuck firmly into the sides.

Step 6. Now don’t forget the Veil and tiara if you have one… then place the lid on and securely using the drawer string.

Tips:

- Don’t try to pack the hoops and under skirt into the travel box.

- Don’t panic if your dress looks squashed – most wedding destinations will have steamers to steam the wedding dress on arrival.

- Some airlines do allow the wedding dress on board in the cabin in the gown bag hanging compartment but check with your airline!

- DO NOT put your precious dress in your suit case – It may not arrive with you and liquids can ruin and damage your dress if they leak in the hold of the aircraft.

- If you MUST put the wedding dress into a suitcase and into the hold of the aircraft then please make sure you cover the whole dress with a strong water tight plastic bag.

Most Wedding Travel Boxes come with a cord handle instead of ribbon and lace that holds the lid in place as you carry. These sturdy boxes protect the dress from any untoward accidents whilst traveling, and can be used after the day for storing the wedding dress in.

Flying with Thomas Cook? Thomas Cook has restricted hand luggage of 42 x 27 x 22 cm, which is not the ideal shape for a wedding dress, but there is a Wedding Travel Slim Box that is especially for Thomas Cook flights.

Paul Robinson 25 years in the wedding dress cleaning and preservation industry says – Always use common sense when transporting your dress anywhere, if you require cleaning you could visit GownClean or if alterations are required then try Robinson & York. Both these companies are excellent.